"The Monkey's Paw" Test

Which statement best expresses the theme of the story?

• It is not wise to trust strangers, even when they promise to be loyal to you.
• Ignoring the wisdom and experience of others can lead to terrible consequences.
• You should never give up, even if you think a problem is impossible to solve.
• You can overcome tragedy if you rely on your family and friends.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which quote from the story best support the theme that ignoring the wisdom and experience of others can lead to terrible consequences?

• " Mr. White dropped his wife's hand, and raised to his feet, gazed with a look of horror at his visitor. His dry lips shaped the words, 'How much?'/Two hundred pounds,' was the answer. " (p.93-94)
• "He began to talk, the little family circle regarding with eager interest this visitor from distant parts, as he squared his broad shoulders in the chair and spoke of strange scenes and doughty deeds" (p13)
• "Likely,' said Herbert, with pretend horror. 'Why, we're going to be rich, and famous, and happy. Wish to be an emperor, father, to begin with; then you can't be henpecked." (p. 52)
• "But the days passed, and expectations gave place to resignation-the hopeless resignation of the old, sometimes miscalled, apathy. Sometimes they hardly exchanged a word, for now they had nothing to talk about, and their days were long to weariness." (p.97))

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the dialogue in paragraphs 78-94 develop the plot of the story?

• It reveals that Mr. White's wish has been granted but not in the way they expected.
• It shows that the visitor is uncomfortable with what he has to say, even though he is bringing a gift.
• It suggests that Mrs. White is concerned about her husband and takes steps to help him deal with the news he's received.
• It shows the Sergeant-major reappearing in the story and causing more problems within the family.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What impact do Mr. and Mrs. White's differing point of views in paragraphs 109-125 and paragraphs 133-139 have on Part 3?

• Their differing points of view and resulting argument creates suspense around what choice they will make and how they will respond to the knock at the door.
• Their conversation resolves their disagreement and differing points of view, and it helps the story end in a hopeful way.
• Their different points of view contribute to a lively but humorous dialogue between them and reinforce the characterization of them as a close family.
• Their different points of view about the Sergeant-major emphasize the idea that visitors are threatening, which is an important theme in the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In paragraph 26, Sergeant-Major Morris warns the White family about the monkey’s paw, saying that it was meant to show that "fate ruled people's lives, and those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow.”

How does this warning contribute to the plot’s development?

• It foreshadows the tragic results of the White family’s wishes.
  

• It explains why Mr. White wants to test the paw despite Morris’s advice.

• It introduces the idea that wishes are usually disappointing.

• It shows that Morris regrets not keeping the paw for himself.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Read the following sentence from paragraph 26 of the story. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. How does this sentence illustrate the theme of the text?

• It suggests that believing only in the power of fate can ruin people’s lives.
• It suggests that people control their own fate and all the events in their lives.
• It implies that only some people should have power over the lives or fate of others.
• It implies that nobody should try to control their own fate or the lives of other people.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read the sentence below from paragraph 40 of the story. “Better let it burn,” said the soldier solemnly. This sentence is important to the text because it —

• explains why the soldier does not want the monkey’s paw
• predicts that something bad will come from the monkey’s paw
• illustrates how the soldier thinks the monkey’s paw is worthless
• hints that nobody really believes in the magic of the monkey’s paw

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Read the following sentence from paragraph 64 of the story. “. . . and something horrible squatting up on top of the wardrobe watching you as you pocket your ill-gotten gains.” Which statement best describes how this sentence foreshadows the events to come?

• It shows that Herbert believes monsters are real.
• It points to the idea that Herbert will be harmed.
• It hints that some kind of evil will visit the White family.
• It suggests that the White family is in need of money.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Read the following sentence from paragraph 71 of the story. All of which did not prevent her from scurrying to the door at the postman’s knock, when she found that the post brought a tailor’s bill. The author includes this sentence most likely to —

• show that Mrs. White is diligent and sensible about her life
• reveal that Mrs. White has little trust in her postman’s ability
• reveal that Mrs. White believes in the monkey’s paw more than she lets on
• show that Mrs. White is nervous and apprehensive about the monkey’s paw

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

What do paragraphs 101–121 reveal about Mr. White?

• He knows that the monkey’s paw is dangerous.
• He doesn’t want to touch the disgusting monkey’s paw.
• He doesn’t want to spend one of his wishes trying to bring their son back.
• He knows that everything will be okay if he can just make one more wish.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4